Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 290: Complications

Chapter 290: Complications

Why did things have to get so complicated!?

Alex couldn’t help but wonder as realization dawned on him.

Glancing at Alejandro, he pondered the possibility of taking him aside to inform him that the deal was off and he’d have to find a different way to prove himself.

Unfortunately, he knew well that he couldn’t do that and so... "Fuck!" He cursed yet again.

"Is something wrong, Master?" Victoria asked worriedly while Alejandro looked on with a frown.

Of the group, perhaps only Ana remained calm as she was well aware of why Alex was panicking.

Alex turned silent as he thought of possible ways to break the news to Alejandro and Victoria.

But how was he to say it?

That an Abyss Wheel Mystic with Distorted Corruption had caused what was now known as the Southern Ruins?

Perhaps that would be enough for them to understand why their current situation was a rather precarious one.

Of course, the fact that Lincoln was a Daemon was a major component but even if, on the off chance, the Elven High priestess Platadoris mentioned wasn’t a Daemon, that didn’t negate that she was an unknown species with unknown strengths.

The fact that she could fuck over a being like Platadoris already showed just how dangerous she could be and now... Alex clenched his fist as he glanced at Platadoris.

"Why didn’t... no, why couldn’t you kill the priestess that returned?" Alex inquired.

Platadoris remained silent for a moment before he replied.

We couldn’t.

"Why?"

... Just staying in her presence elicits corruption that warps the mind and body in ways you could never imagine. We didn’t have the time to figure out the best way to defeat her so we just forcibly sealed her, casting her back through the portal she used to enter our world.

Alex glanced at Ana, hoping to use her experiences with Lincoln to gauge the priestess’s danger level.

Ana pursed her lips before shaking her head.

This meant that Lincoln’s corruption had not been so serious.

Alex’s expression fell even further.

Taking a moment to massage his temples, Alex remarked. "Alejandro, is it a must to reclaim the Wandering Forest?"

"... What sort of question is that?" Alejandro asked in annoyance.

Alex met his gaze as he replied. "This mission... it’s suicide, we can’t win."

"You say so without even meeting the opponent."

"I said that because Ana has had experience with someone similar and it didn’t end well. We aren’t the Great Families with the resources and manpower to handle such a person. What’s worse, this is a combination of an Abyss Wheel Mystic that’s known for its unpredictability with an unknown race member. How can we fight what we do not know about?"

"Then we find out what we can. You seem to think that I can just return and tell my people to evacuate Aragon."

"You have no choice."

"There is always a choice!" Alejandro bellowed. "Do not make me consider you a wimp, human."

Alex remained silent, fuming at Alejandro’s stubbornness.

Unfortunately, no matter how annoying it was, Alex knew he was being unreasonable.

Just like how he dared to face off against Fear for the Mantle of Darkness, Alejandro was willing to face off against insurmountable odds to ensure the safety of his people.

Would he fault the Rey for staying true to his position?

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Alex turned to Platadoris. "Tell us what you know about the priestess."

I cannot.

"Why?" Alex asked with a frown.

I can no longer control it.

"Huh?... What?"

Please... kill me now.

Platadoris’s voice had turned strained, revealing the latter to be in a great deal of pain.

"What’s going on?" Alex asked with a frown.

Ana seemed to have sensed something as she tried to move; however, before she could do so, an unfamiliar sensation rushed through the entirety of her body, sending her to her knees, screaming in anguish.

Alex glanced back in confusion as Alejandro also grunted, his expression contorted in pain with Victoria screaming.

The reason for their pain soon revealed itself as festering boils emerged on their skins, increasing to an unnatural size before finally popping with pus pouring out and mushrooms growing out of the wounds.

As they continued screaming, Alex glared at Platadoris.

"What are you doing?"

It’s not me. I told you, I need you to kill me... it’s her.

"It’s who?"

My other half. I can’t hold her back any longer. Please, kill me now!

"Tch." Alex snapped his fingers, manifesting Rune almost immediately before aiming at Platadoris’s main body.

As the black and white beam rushed forth like a wave, for a moment, the madness happening within the tree ceased.... Only for a moment.

Crack

An incredible sense of dread washed over Alex and instantly, he acted on instinct.

Pa

Pa

Twice he snapped and following that, Ana, Alejandro, and Victoria were grabbed by chains before disappearing in a flash of black and white alongside Alex.

***

They appeared several meters outside the tree, Alex’s breathing uneven as he realized he was also affected by whatever had caused the growths on the trio behind him.

Luckily, the robe of Eternal Night he donned was preventing the growths from devouring him while also slowly purifying whatever was causing it.

"Most likely the pollen." Alex thought as several cracks echoed throughout their surrounding, the sole originator being the tree he’d just escaped from.

Then it began to transform with all trees around it being taken as appendages to be added to whatever monstrosity was slowly manifesting.

Whatever was coming was no longer just something to be purged.

No... Alex gritted his teeth as he knew inwardly that he wouldn’t be able to handle the situation alone.

So, he focused on those who would have a better chance of winning than him.

Turning to face the trio suffering behind him, he opened a portal to Evernight and immediately retreated with them.

For now, he would focus on their recovery.

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